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Sophia, N.C. (November 3, 2025) –The stage is set for one of the most anticipated weekends in short track racing as the 23rd Annual John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout presented in Memory of Charles Kepley returns to Caraway Speedway on November 7–8, 2025. This celebrated event brings together open-wheel talent from both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line for two days of grassroots excitement—honoring the enduring spirit of two men who helped solidify its place as a cornerstone of the fall racing season.
“The North-South Shootout has earned its place as one of the premier events in short track racing,” said Darren Hackett, promoter of Caraway Speedway. “Each year, we’re proud to see such an incredible mix of talent and tradition come together.”
This year’s event will feature a full weekend of racing across seven divisions: Tour-Type Modifieds (125 laps), ISMA/MSS Supermodifieds (60 laps), 602 Modifieds (68 laps), Vintage Fall Classic, Chargers (40 laps), Crown Vics (40 laps), and Legends (30 laps).
A strong field of Tour-Type Modifieds will headline Saturday’s 125-lap main event. Three former winners—Matt Hirschman, Burt Myers, and Andy Seuss—return in pursuit of another North-South title. They’ll be joined by a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, including the event’s “iron man” Jason Myers and the Baldwin brothers—Luke, the 2025 SMART Modified Tour Champion, and Jack. Young guns Carson Loftin, Paulie Hartwig III, James Blewett, and Bryce Bailey will aim to add their names to the event’s storied history. Notable newcomers Jeffrey Battle, Max Handley, and Sean Verwys are also expected to make their North-South debut.
The ISMA/MSS Supermodifieds return to Caraway for 60 laps of pure open-wheel adrenaline. Defending race winner Jonathan McKennedy will lead a powerful field of 22 “winged warriors,” including Kyle Edwards, Russ Wood Sr., Mike Ordway Jr., Johnny Benson Jr., Mark Sammut, Mike Lichty, DJ Shullick, Matt Swanson, Tyler Thompson, and Anthony Nocella.
In the 602 Modified division, drivers will compete for $5,000 to win in memory of Robbie Brewer, with standout entrants such as Brooklyn Newman and her grandfather Greg, James Civali, Paulie Hartwig III, Slate Myers, and Cody Norman, the 2025 Carolina Crate Modified Champion.
Full entry lists can be found at NorthSouthShootout.com.
The Crown Vics could also be chasing a $5,000 winner’s purse, adding to the excitement across the weekend.
On Friday, November 7, pit gates open at 8:00 a.m., with practice sessions running from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Grandstands open at 4:00 p.m., with qualifying beginning at 4:15 p.m. for the Crown Vics, 602 Modifieds, Chargers, Supermodifieds, and Tour-Type Modifieds. The evening’s feature racing begins at 6:00 p.m. with the Vintage Fall Nationals, Chargers (40 laps), Legends (25 laps), and Crown Vics (40 laps).
Saturday, November 8, kicks off with pit gates opening at 7:30 a.m. and practice for Legends and Supermodifieds from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Grandstands open at 10:00 a.m., followed by an on-track pit party at 11:30 a.m. and a pedal car race at 12:40 p.m. Feature racing begins at 1:00 p.m. with ISMA/MSS Supermodifieds (60 laps), 602 Modifieds (68 laps), Legends (30 laps), and the marquee 125-lap Tour-Type Modified feature to close the show.
A full schedule can be found at CarawaySpeedway.com.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, November 6, with optional practice from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by a pre-race dinner at Kickback Jack’s (7:00–9:00 p.m.) and fan fun at Lucky’s Burger N Tap from 8:00 p.m. until close.
Advance tickets are on sale now at CarawaySpeedway.com. Two-day general admission passes (Friday and Saturday) are $60, with single-day tickets priced at $20 for Friday and $50 for Saturday. Kids 12 and under are admitted free to the grandstands. Pit passes are $100 for three days, $90 for two days, and $50 for one day. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live at CarawaySpeedway.tv.
“With our family legacy that is 60 years strong, we value the tradition of the North-South,” continued Hackett. “We’re proud to carry on what Charles Kepley started and to remember both him and John Blewett III in the best way possible—through great racing.”
The North-South Shootout was founded by Charles Kepley in 2003, fulfilling his vision for a true showdown between northern and southern Modified racers. The event was renamed in 2007 following the tragic death of John Blewett III, the inaugural winner, respected racer, and fan favorite. Today, the event carries forward both men’s legacies.
For complete entry lists, ticket details, and the full weekend schedule, visit NorthSouthShootout.com or CarawaySpeedway.com.
